While your teen is learning to become independent, you will still need to guide the way. This is especially true when it comes to serious issues like drug use because it is not just your teen you are dealing with. There are the drug dealers who would love to get to your child or the negative peers who would use your child to valid their drug using behavior. Therefore, it is very important you make a conscience effort to set the rules where teen drug use is concerned.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: a little time, everyday
Here's How:
- Tell your teen that drug use of any kind will not be tolerated in your family. Be clear so that there is no interpretation. Ask if he understands these expectations.
- Ask your teen if there are any questions. Be prepared to answer these and bring up a few of your own if you feel more information needs to be discussed. Continue talking to your teen about drugs after the rules have been set.
- Establish the consequences for breaking the rules. Be firm with them. Once these are set, think of the consequences as black and white – no gray area here. Don’t let your teen off the hook or add consequences when a rule is broken.
- Check up on your teenager. When he tells you his plans, check them with other parents. Let your teen know that you take the role as his parent very seriously.
Tips:
- Be calm if your teen begins to argue with you about these rules. Sometimes teens feel if things get emotional, they can get out of a rule or consequence. Don’t fall into this power struggle trap.
- Do you feel you have open communication with your teen?
Parenting Quizzes for Parents of Teens
